A migraine is a throbbing pain in your head that can be quite intense and even debilitating for some people.
These excruciating headaches, which typically develop on one side of your head, build up gradually over the course of a few hours or days.
People can develop migraines for a number of reasons, triggered by things like stress, anxiety, hormonal changes, strict diets or problems with sleep.
It isn't an exaggeration to say that migraines can even make walking or talking quite difficult, with people suffering from sensitivity to light or smells as well as nausea.
This Migraine Awareness Week, here are six common myths you need to know, according to pharmacist and Simply Meds Online health advisor Parvinder Sagoo.
'Migraines are just bad headaches'
Parvinder Sagoo explains that migraines can be much more severe than a headache, with several different triggers, symptoms and causes.
Mr Sagoo explained: "The myth that migraines are the same as headaches is truly damaging, especially to those who suffer with migraines regularly and understand how painful they can be."
He also added that while headaches are often short-lived and can be treated more easily, migraines can last for hours or even days.
'Migraines only affect women'
While it's true that women are three times more likely to have migraines, this doesn't mean that men don't suffer them as well.
Mr Sagoo said that because women suffering migraines has become more widely known, it has become a commonly believed misconception.
'Migraines only lasts a couple of hours'
Unlike headaches, which typically last only a few hours, a migraine may last anywhere between four and 72 hours if left untreated.
Mr Sagoo explained: "Even with treatment, the migraine may take a little time to ease off and you may still suffer with some symptoms even if the majority of the pain has been dealt with."
'Caffeine causes migraines'
Consuming caffeine can cause a bit of dehydration as caffeine has mild diuretic effects. As result of this, many people believe that caffeine causes migraines.
However this is mostly untrue. In fact, Mr Parvinder Sagoo said that some research has even shown that caffeine might help with migraine symptoms.
He explained: "Caffeine can help to constrict the blood vessels and reduce swelling in the brain which causes pain, meaning that it could work as rapid relief for severe migraine symptoms."
'No medications can treat migraines'
The most efficient and effective way to treat migraines is through proper medication.
Mr Sagoo advised: "If you suffer with migraines, you may want to speak to your GP or pharmacist about the best treatment for you."
Symptoms of migraines can be can be treated with over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol, aspirin or ibuprofen. However, Sumatriptan tablets are the most common prescription migraine medication.
'Changing diet will stop migraines'
As much as we’d like to believe that changing our eating habits will stop migraine attacks, this is a myth.
While eating a healthy balanced diet and drinking lots of water is good for our overall health and wellbeing, which in turn could help us manage migraine symptoms, a simple change in diet will not stop our migraines from occurring completely.
